Ambassador Withers Honors Fulbright Alumni Association
On September 24, Ambassador Withers welcomed Fulbright Alumni Association members, Minister of Education Myqerem Tafaj, and university and ministry officials to a reception in honor of the exchange programs alumni. Noting the key roles that the alumni play in the economic and democratic development of Albania, the Ambassador congratulated them on their decision to put their knowledge and skills to work at home. The reception also served as the official launching of the Alumni Association’s website. The Association includes alumni from the Fulbright, Humphrey Fellowship, and Ron Brown Programs. Approximately 70 alumni attended the event.
Public Outreach via Heart and Soul
With support from Public Affairs (PAS), the 5th Annual Poeteka Festival once again filled Durrës with linguistic richness, as poets from around the world celebrated their art. On September 22, Acting Public Affairs Officer Leigh Rieder and PAS staff member Mirela Çupi welcomed participants to the "Evening of American Poetry," featuring the prominent American poet, Tom Sleigh. The participation of an American poet in the festival is an opportunity for Albanian poets and writers to learn about U.S. history and cultural values. Mr. Sleigh later received the Poeteka Prize for Best Poet.
Public Affairs Holds Reporting Workshop for NGOs
On September 24th, PAS Tirana offered a workshop on" Improving Reporting," targeting Democracy Commission and other PAS grantees. Around thirty NGO leaders and accountants attended two sessions of the workshop that addressed the importance of good programmatic and financial reporting, essential for the accountability and transparency of the organizations. A/PAO Leigh Rieder underscored the importance of good reporting as the basis for future planning and programming in support of civil society and democratic development in Albania. PAS staff also provided new standardized reporting forms gave detailed explanations and recommendations on how to compile good reports.
USAID Conference Supports Albanian Cities
Cities throughout Albania are employing innovative ideas to promote good governance, improve service provision, and be more responsive to citizens. This week USAID organized a two-day conference to showcase the best practices in local governance from Albania's 65 municipalities and largest communes. Albanian President Bamir Topi and USAID Mission Director, Roberta Mahoney, delivered opening remarks. USAID’s Local Governance Program in Albania (LGPA) works with ten municipalities throughout Albania to foster local economic growth, improve local governance, and strengthen civic and private sector engagement in local development. LGPA’s partner municipalities are: Fier, Fushe-Kruje, Gramsh, Himare, Korçe, Kukes, Lezhe, Librazhd, Pogradec and Shkoder.
Public Affairs Hosts Muslim Community Members for a Special Iftar Dinner
In an atmosphere of warmth and laughter, nine members of the Muslim community from Durrës, Shkodër and Tirana joined the Embassy’s Public Affairs Section (PAS) for a memorable iftar dinner on the night of Kadri. According to Muslim tradition, Kadri is the most auspicious day during Ramadan to fast; Muslims normally stay home that day and share that evening’s iftar dinner with family. PAS staff members were extremely honored to learn that their guests had chosen to be with them for the Kadri Iftar. The dinner took place in the Ambassador’s Residence, and the guests included principals, teachers, and students from area medresas, and those working with the Democracy Commission Civic Education Project.
U.S. Embassy Hosts Regional Anti-Corruption Conference
On September 15, Chargé d’Affaires Deborah Jones opened a regional conference designed to bolster action against corruption. Highlighting the importance of all actors in fighting corruption, Chargé Jones said that the fair and equal administration of justice and unbiased media reporting are both essential in a democratic society. Minister of State Genc Pollo, Prosecutor General Ina Rama and Director General of Albanian State Police Ahmet Prençi also addressed the officials and journalists from Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia on the importance of fighting corruption. The conference will continue with presentations from all country delegations through September 17.
ICITAP Presents State Police Recognition Awards
ICITAP Program Manager Gary Bullard presents recognition awards to State Police Basic Course students for “Most Improved Academic Performance” and “Outstanding Teamwork” at the morning parade ceremony on Monday, September 14th at the Center for Police Development. The ICITAP recognition awards have been an important motivator for staff and students in the core Basic Course program areas and has resulted in the staff of the State Police starting their own recognition awards at the Basic School.
U.S. Embassy Funds Renovation Of School in Kucova
On September 14, Chargé d’Affaires Deborah Jones and Head of the Embassy’s Office of Defense Cooperation (ODC) LTC Martin Perryman, joined local authorities in a dedication ceremony marking the completion of renovations of the primary school in the town of Kucova.
The U.S. European Command (EUCOM) Humanitarian Assistance (HA) office provided approximately $670,000 for the project. The improved educational facilities will make it possible for local children to have better education opportunities. The ODC, working closely with Albanian authorities, has been delivering humanitarian assistance to the Albanian people since 1996. Other projects have included providing supplies, rebuilding medical facilities, developing water systems, and other non-military projects.
Weekly Eco-Gram: Outdoor Ambassadors: Fostering Environmental Activism
On September 2nd, US Peace Corps Volunteers accompanied forty-eight students from all over Albania in the first annual Outdoor Ambassadors Summer Camp, held at the Udhekryq Camp facility in Erseke. Campers participated in activities such as canoeing, archery, homemade paper-making, a clean-up in downtown Erseke, a recycled materials fashion show, and Camp Olympics. The kids also enjoyed a night of tent camping under the stars, a new experience for many. Forty-eight motivated kids returned to their hometowns ready to plan community projects and involve friends in environmental activism. The Outdoor Ambassadors organization was founded by Peace Corps Volunteers to foster environmental awareness and stewardship in Albanian youth through the creation of local eco-clubs. The 2009 Summer Camp was made possible by a grant from the Vodafone Albania Foundation.
Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance, 2009 by the President of the United States of America.
A PROCLAMATION
Through the twisted steel of the twin towers of the World Trade Center, the scarred walls of the Pentagon, and the smoky wreckage in a field in southwest Pennsylvania, the patriotism and resiliency of the American people shone brightly on September 11, 2001. We stood as one people, united in our common humanity and shared sorrow. We grieved for those who perished and remembered what brought us together as Americans. (full remarks)
Embassy Commemorates Patriot Day
In a solemn ceremony at 8:46 a.m. on September 11, embassy staff formally commemorated Patriot Day and the National Day of Service and Remembrance. After lowering the flag to half staff, Post observed a moment of silence to honor the victims of September 11, 2001.
Annual Junior Faculty Development Program Selection Underway
On September 11-12, Public Affairs is observing the annual selection
process for the Junior Faculty Development Program (JFDP). The program
sends full-time university faculty members to the U.S. for one semester
to engage in professional enrichment activities. Candidates selected
for the program must demonstrate leadership qualities and a feasible
plan for sharing the knowledge gained through the program upon return to
Albania. Embassy community member Dr. Mindy Michels is serving as a
selection panel member.
Public Affairs Sponsors Muslim Community Development Discussion
On September 8, representatives of the Albanian Muslim Community and
local non-governmental organizations took part in a digital video conference on community organizing, featuring U.S. specialist Taleb Salhab, National Outreach Director for the Arab Community Center for Economic & Social Services (ACCESS). The Public Affairs-sponsored event was scheduled at this time to honor the Holy Month of Ramadan. Moderated by Acting Public Affairs Officer Leigh Rieder, the discussion ranged from the challenges of Muslim integration in society, to the role of religious schools in community building, to inter-faith cooperation. The discussion opened the door for further communication and cooperation between the Albanian and American Muslim communities in the future.
Ambassador
Embassy Events
September_2009
U.S. Embassy Supports Restoration in Gjirokastër Castle
Ambassador Launches Youth Club in Gjirokastër